Upstate News

January 22, 2003
Darryl Geddes 315 464-4828

Gun owners urged to sign gun safety pledge at upcoming sports show

Gun owners will have the opportunity to publicly declare that they store their guns safely by putting their signature on the Gun Owner’s Safety Pledge card during the Northeast Sports Show, to be held Jan. 24 through 26 at the New York State Fairgrounds.

By signing the pledge, which was written by the Onondaga County Citizens Task Force for Gun Safety, the gun owner asserts that he or she has taken or will take a certified course in gun safety, will store guns and ammunition with a gun safety lock or gun safe and ensures that “all children who enter my home will be safe from accidental gun injury.”

Richard Culkin, a gun owner and task force member, says by signing the pledge, gun owners are making a public commitment to keeping others safe. “Gun ownership comes with great responsibility, especially when children are around,” he said. “This pledge is one way we can remind gun owners of that responsibility.”

Culkin said the task force hopes gun owners place this pledge card in a conspicuous place, such as on the refrigerator door, where it can be a daily reminder of safe gun storage. The pledge cards will be available at the Onondaga County Federation Booth at the Northeast Sports Show.

The task force is supported in part by the Children’s Miracle Network and University Hospital.